Lakeland student nurses participate in the Cleveland Homeless Stand Down

In anticipation of Giving Tuesday Dec. 1, The Lakeland Foundation is kicking off a fundraising drive that aims to highlight the positive effects of educational experiences in our community. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lakeland Community College.

The drive will benefit the foundation's Greatest Need Fund that provides unrestricted dollars for emerging needs that support student learning and success initiatives.

"While many people are familiar with our scholarship programs, we have a need for unrestricted funding that will help to enrich the student experience," said Laurie Principe, associate director of development-operations and alumni relations. "We count on the generosity of our supporters to make these unique learning experiences happen."

An example of a unique learning experience is when 32 nursing students participated in the 2019 Cleveland Homeless Stand Down, led by Dr. Susan McClendon, associate professor of nursing at Lakeland. Students provided foot assessments and health education to over 220 individuals, addressing some complex medical issues and intervening to improve quality of life. Because of the support of unrestricted dollars, The Lakeland Foundation was able to provide 350 pairs of socks, 100 bottles of lotion and 100 hand-knit hats to this vulnerable population. One nursing student remarked how the experience will change her nursing practice and noted that "we are told of the hardships people face and how many people have them but seeing it in person really opens your mind. Everyone has a story. We have to take time to learn it in order to provide our best care."

"Giving Tuesday gives our community the chance to come together for good and celebrate generosity," said Christine Blake, CEO of Cardinal Credit Union. "We hope our colleagues throughout the region will join us in supporting The Lakeland Foundation to help students prepare to enter the workforce. When they bring their gifts, knowledge and experience to the community that we have helped nurture in some small way, it makes our region more vibrant. We all succeed."

The Lakeland Foundation is accepting online donations to support these future needs now through Dec. 1. Please click on the link below to make a gift.

By: Jessica Novak